The United Arab Emirates Immigration division has declared a temporary close down from June 4 to 8th in observance of the upcoming Eid Al Adha ceremonies. This five-day shutdown will impact all immigration services, potentially resulting in disruptions and delays for foreign travelers and individuals seeking to manage their visa status.
Table of Contents
Effect On Services And Prospective Delays
During this shutdown period, all frequent dealings of the UAE Immigration divisions will be closed. This implies that a wide range of services will be unavailable, and individuals can expect significant delays in processing any requests or applications.
1. Visa Processing
New visa requests, visa extensions, and modifications to visa status will not be processed during these dates. Any requests presented shortly before the shutdown may face extended processing durations.
2. Residency Permit Services
Residency permit services, which include new requests, renewals, and revocations, will be temporarily ceased during the Eid holiday shutdown from June 4 to 8.
3. Access And Exit Stamping
While regular border regulations operate at airports and land crossings, allowing for instant access and exit of individuals with valid visas or visa-on-arrival qualifications, there may be a decrease in staff for specific inquiries or complex cases that require immediate attention from immigration officials beyond routine reviews.
4. Inquiries And Support
Immigration support lines and customer service centers may be operating with reduced staff or may be completely shut down, making it more difficult to obtain immediate support or clarification on immigration issues.
5. Fine Reimbursements And Rectification
Fine reimbursements and rectification services, which include those for overstaying or other immigration offenses, will be unavailable during the Eid Al Adha shutdown from June 4 to 8, 2025.
Effects On Travelers And Visa Holders
Travelers and visa candidates are required to get ready for the following:
If you enjoy this article, don't miss out on the valuable insights and information available in our other related posts:
- UAE Introduces New Blue Visa With 10-Year Residency: Qualification And Application Guide
- Top Visa Routes To Live And Work In Australia In 2025
- Top High-Demand Golden Visa Programs For Global Investors
- Permanent Resident Procedures For Canada: Step-By-Step Guide
- Canada To Stop Processing Low-wage LMIAs For The Temporary Foreign Worker Program In Most Cities
- Prolonged processing durations: Anticipate delays for visa authorizations before and after the shutdown.
- Airport immigration delays: While border regulations will remain functional, minor delays may occur at access points due to reduced support services.
- Post-holiday backlogs: Immigration offices are likely to experience a backlog when they resume operations, resulting in longer processing durations.
Advisory For Travelers And Visa Candidates
Provided this massive shutdown, persons with impending travel intentions or visa-associated issues are required to take proactive steps:
Process Visa Extensions And Changes Now
As detailedly recommended by the immigration divisions, if you need a visa extension or any changes to your immigration status, please do this immediately, well in advance of June 4. Delays in processing could result in overstay penalties when the grace period ceases.
Plan Your Trip Dates Accordingly
If your journey to and from the United Arab Emirates is contingent on obtaining a new visa or modifying your visa status, try to book your trips to avoid the shutdown period (4th to 8th). Landing at this time without a verified and authentic visa could result in problems.
Ensure You Have An Authentic Visa Or Entry Permit
For individuals planning to visit the United Arab Emirates, ensure your visa or access permit is authentic and verified before commencing your journey. Do not depend on last-minute processing.
Go With All Relevant Documentation
Always carry all vital travel and visa documentation, including duplicates, in case of any unexpected events.
Check Official Statements
While this article provides current details, it is recommended to check the official UAE authority and immigration channels for any additional updates or modifications to the declared shutdown dates or services.
Emergency Cases
For true emergencies during the shutdown, travelers may try to contact the necessary embassy or consulate of their home nation in the UAE or local emergency services; however, their capacity to assist with immigration processing will be limited.
Expect Post-Closure Backlog
Even after the units reopen on June 9, 2025, a significant backlog of requests and inquiries is likely to remain. Patience will be the answer, and processing durations may be longer than often for some time.
